ABOUT
What are the Academies of Louisville ?
The Academies of Louisville is a program within Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) that transforms the traditional high school experience into career-themed learning communities. Each Academy connects core academic instruction with hands-on, real-world experiences to prepare students for both college and career success.
Through strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, students gain exposure to career pathways, industry certifications, work-based learning opportunities, and professional mentorship. This approach not only deepens classroom learning but also equips students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.
By aligning education with workforce needs, the Academies of Louisville strengthen Louisville’s talent pipeline and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed in their chosen paths.
Over 150 career pathways are offered across the 15 high schools, and they are selected based on workforce need, student interest, and community support! Click below to view career pathways offered by school for the 2025-2026 school year.
“The Academies are not a class. They're not a meeting. They're a transformational model of how we do school.”
— Kim Morales
Executive Administrator of High Schools, JCPS
How are the Academies of Louisville structured?
The Academies of Louisville operate as small learning communities within each of the 15 Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) high schools. Each Academy is organized around a career theme and offers multiple pathways aligned with key industry sectors. This structure transforms the high school experience by connecting core academic subjects to real-world career applications, helping students understand the relevance of what they learn to their future.
Once students select a career pathway, they engage in industry-focused experiences that bring their learning to life. Through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, students gain access to college credit opportunities, industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning, and essential success skills tied directly to their chosen field.
As a result, Academies of Louisville graduates leave high school not only with a diploma, but also with a strong foundation for college, career, and life.
Who is involved in the Academies of Louisville?
School educators and administration collaborate with business partners to provide real-world learning experiences to the students, who then enter the adulthood to contribute to the community. The Alliance bridges businesses with schools. The Academies of Louisville thrive not as a mere program but through the strength of the people and relationships that support them. Our dedicated educators, students, and business partners collaborate to create transformative learning experiences. The Academies of Louisville model emphasizes educational equity by making these opportunities available to all students—no tuition or application required. By preparing, inspiring, and empowering every student, the Academies help build a 21st-century workforce while giving young people a head start toward their goals.
The Academies of Louisville: A Model for Success
-
![]()
Academies of Louisville teach other districts about industry-specific learning [Spectrum News1]
-
![]()
How the Academies of Louisville Are Elevating Their Story [FordNGL]
-
![]()
National education, business leaders glean best practices from JCPS Academies of Louisville model [GLI]
-
![]()
Teachers from across the nation visit Kentucky to learn about JCPS' Academies of Louisville programs [WDRB]
